The age-old question. But can anyone really provide an answer? My personal belief is no. That is a question that you, the modeler, must answer on your own. Now there are many thoughts on the matter and all seem to be pros and cons for both sides. This article will be no exception. Its purpose is to speak to the modeler who is new to the hobby surfing to gather information on model railroading.
Again, there have been MANY articles, in various publications, asking the same question: Prototype or Freelance. I see three talking points on the matter. (I’m sure there will be others who will write in correcting me or adding points and please do.) The points are, a freelanced layout, a layout based loosely on a prototype, and a layout that follows a specific prototype.
Models and Photos by Paul Scoles
Our hobby is an interesting one. We can build a layout based on complete fantasy, using standard railroad engineering techniques as a foundation, and our layouts can seem completely believable. Take, for example, John Olson and his famous Mescle Lines or Paul Scoles’ Pelican Bay Railway & Navigation Company. By using “real life” railroad standards their model railroads are/were something to behold. With a freelance railroad, we have the ability to push our imagination and that is exactly what John Allen did with his Gorre and Daphetid Railroad. If realism is the goal, study photos of the area you are modeling. Huge mountains and tunnels might look a little out of place if you are modeling a shortline railroad in Kansas. This holds true for prototype modeling as well. Study the surroundings!
Models and Photo by Don Ball
All model railroads in some way, shape or form are loosely based on a specific prototype. Yes, even the freelanced ones. I would bet that when building the Pelican Bay Railway & Navigation Company, Paul studied many photos of the North Pacific Coast Railroad. There is a lot of that railroads personality in Paul’s models. There are some that do have a love for a specific railroad but want to play Superintendent and build a “what if” railroad. Don Ball took that approach when building the Stockton and Copperopolis Railroad. The layout is based on a specific prototype and time; however, Don built the railroad on the “what if” principal. He extended the life of the railroad as well as the amount of track the prototype laid. Using historical records and photographs, Don is creating a historically accurate railroad with a lot of modelers license.
Models and Photos by Jack Burgess Video by Ownry
History for some is just as enjoyable as building models. I would have to say this is true for most of us in the hobby, some more than others. Jack Burgess is one that has a passion for history and extremely accurate models. He has created a museum in his garage to the Yosemite Valley Railroad as it existed in 1939. Gene Deimling is another who has a passion for accuracy.
It’s these individuals an others like them that pursue historically accurate models and the quest for information which has, in all rights, become a hobby unto itself.
Model and Photo by Gene Deimling
I will leave you with this: as we search for our place in the hobby, we discover there is no right or wrong answer to the question asked at the beginning of the article. I think the real question should be, what do you want to get out of it? Are you looking for a way to just relax or are you trying to pursue a passion? The beauty of model railroading is you can enjoy all aspects at some point. As I have mentioned in a past article, by trying something different, you can really increase your modeling skills and it can turn out to be a real fun project.
